Do I Really Need a Surge Protector in My Home?

It’s a question we hear all the time: “Do I really need a surge protector?”

The short answer is no, you don’t need one to keep your home running. But surge protection is one of those upgrades that pays for itself many times over by protecting your home’s electrical system and extending the life of your devices.

At Gloudeman Electric, we like to explain it this way: a whole-home surge protector isn’t just for storms—it’s a filter that shields your system from the small but constant electrical surges that happen every single day.

Where Do Power Surges Come From?

When most people think about power surges, they imagine a lightning strike during a summer storm. While that can certainly cause damage, especially in an area like Charleston where lightning storms are prevalent, there are other kinds of surges that come from inside your home.

Here are some common sources of internal surges:

• Your HVAC system kicking on

• A refrigerator or other appliance cycling power

• Utility power switching

• Motor-driven equipment starting up

  
  

Every time this happens, it sends a mini voltage spike throughout your system.

Why Does It Matter?

Today’s homes are filled with sensitive electronics—smart thermostats, appliances, laptops, TVs, even your oven clock. These constant micro-surges slowly wear down the delicate components inside your devices. That’s why you may notice things like:

• Light bulbs burning out too quickly

• Dimmers failing prematurely

• GFIs (ground fault interrupters) tripping or wearing out sooner than expected

  
  

Surge protectors absorb those spikes so your devices don’t have to.

The Benefits of a Whole-Home Surge Protector

Installing a surge protector won’t perform miracles—but it can:

• Extend the lifespan of your appliances and electronics

• Reduce costly replacements for things like HVAC components, TVs, and computers

• Give you peace of mind during storm season and year-round

  
  

Think of it as an insurance policy for your electrical system.

Our Recommendation

While you don’t technically need a surge protector, we consider it a very worthwhile investment for almost every homeowner in Mount Pleasant. With the amount of lightning and utility switching we see in South Carolina, it’s one of the simplest ways to safeguard your home’s electrical system.

At Gloudeman Electric, we install high-quality whole-home surge protectors that connect directly to your panel, giving your entire house a layer of protection.

Ready to protect your home? Give us a call today—we’ll help keep your family and electronics are safe.

Top 5 Handyman Electrical Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to home projects, handymen can be great for small repairs and general fixes. But when the job involves your electrical system, cutting corners can create serious safety hazards. At Gloudeman Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how unqualified electrical work leads to bigger problems down the road.

Here are the Top 5 Handyman Electrical Mistakes we come across most often—and why they put your home at risk.

1. Leaving Panels Uncovered

Exposed electrical panel with line running out of it.

In one home, a handyman installed a mini split system and left the electrical panel completely uncovered. Not only does this look unfinished, but it exposes live electrical parts that could shock anyone who touches them. Panels are designed with covers for a reason: to keep you safe.

2. Using the Wrong Wire Outdoors

We frequently see indoor Romex wire strung across exterior walls. Romex is not rated for outdoor use—sun, rain, and heat break it down over time, causing the insulation to crack.

Romex running on exterior of home

Once that wire is compromised, it becomes a major fire hazard. Outdoor wiring requires special materials designed to handle the elements.

3. Open Splices and Makeshift Connections

One of the most dangerous mistakes is leaving open wire splices in an attic or crawlspace. We’ve even seen wires “connected” with nothing more than alligator clips. These are live, energized connections that can easily spark a fire if disturbed. Every splice should be properly enclosed in an approved junction box with a cover.

Open splices

4. Running Wires Without Protection

Sometimes wires are simply pinched through wood framing with no electrical box, conduit, or protection. This damages the insulation and leaves the wire vulnerable to overheating or being cut by sharp edges. Electrical boxes and protective fittings aren’t optional—they’re essential for keeping wires safe and secure.

5. Ignoring Water Issues

We’ve seen ceiling fans that filled with water every time it rained because of improper installation. Instead of solving the root electrical problem, the homeowner ended up replacing fan after fan. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and shortcuts in sealing or

Ceiling fan wiring without proper electrical box

wiring outdoor fixtures can lead to repeated failures—or worse.

Why These Mistakes Matter

All of these problems have one thing in common: exposed or unprotected wiring. Electrical code is designed to prevent exactly these kinds of hazards. When wires aren’t properly protected, they can overheat, spark, or ignite nearby materials. Even a small nick in insulation can put your home at risk.

The Takeaway

Handymen can do great work for painting, carpentry, or general repairs—but electrical projects should always be handled by a licensed electrician. At Gloudeman Electric, we make sure your system is safe, code-compliant, and built to last.

If you’re unsure about past electrical work in your home, or you’re planning a new project, give us a call. We’ll make sure the job is done right—the first time.

Why Choosing a Non-Commission-Based Electrician Matters for Your Home

When you invite a contractor into your home—whether it’s an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician—you’re trusting them not just with your property, but with your peace of mind. One important question that homeowners often forget to ask is: “Does this technician work on commission?” Today we talk about Why Choosing a Non-Commission-Based Electrician Matters for Your Home.

At Gloudeman Electric, we believe that transparency builds trust. That’s why we want to be clear: our electricians are not paid on commission. We operate differently—and we think that matters.

What Does “Commission-Based” Mean in the Trades?

In many service industries, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, it’s common for technicians to earn commission on the work they sell. That means their paycheck may depend on how much they can upsell—whether that’s recommending extra services, replacing parts, or upgrading equipment.

Sometimes, this system can work well, and some homeowners may not mind it. But it’s also important to understand what that structure can incentivize. When a technician is paid based on how much you spend, there may be pressure—intended or not—to sell you more than you truly need.

Why Our Non-Commission Model Benefits You

At Gloudeman Electric, our electricians are paid hourly—not by the job, and not by what they sell. This means our team is focused on solving your electrical issues, not on maximizing the ticket price.

Here’s how that helps you as a homeowner:

• No Pressure Sales Tactics: You’ll never feel pressured to approve unnecessary upgrades or services. If we recommend something, it’s because it’s genuinely important for safety, code compliance, or functionality.

• Honest, Transparent Estimates: We quote based on what’s needed—not what benefits our staff financially. That helps build trust and makes it easier to plan your home improvement projects.

• Customer-Focused Service: Our electricians are trained to focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction, not sales targets. That creates a better experience for everyone.

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Ask the Right Questions When Hiring a Contractor

Whether you're hiring an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, don’t hesitate to ask: "Are your technicians paid on commission?"

It’s a fair and important question. The answer can tell you a lot about the company’s values—and what kind of service you can expect.

Why Homeowners in Mount Pleasant and Charleston Choose Gloudeman Electric

At Gloudeman Electric, we’re proud to serve the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area with honest, professional, non-commission-based electrical work. From panel upgrades to EV charger installations to everyday troubleshooting, we show up ready to get the job done right—no strings attached.

If you’re looking for an electrician who puts your needs first, we’d be honored to help.